What is export promotion?
Export promotion is used by many countries and regions to promote the goods and services from their companies abroad. This is good for the trade balance and for the overall economy. Export promotion can also have incentive programs designed to draw more companies into exporting. Governments do this by providing assistance in the marketing and product identification and development, by arranging payment guaranty schemes, pre-shipment and post-shipment financing, trade visits, training, trade fairs, and foreign representation.
Your company can benefit from export promotion efforts
It is always a good first step to have a look what programs your country or region that may benefit you. One option for example is participating in country, state or regional pavilions on major trade shows. On top of that, many governments have subsidies for market research, partner searches or other activities where the aid of a professional is needed to make exports work. This can also be in the form of a fiscal incentive. Singapore for example has the Double Tax Deduction on business development expenses made overseas.
Alliance experts can help you with your country’s arrangements
In most of the countries where we are based we know the government arrangements and can advise you on this. In a number of cases subsidies are available for our export development services as well, such as market research or finding agents or distributors. In that case one of our team will serve as your local export developer, who will set up your distribution channels, get your sales going and expand your coverage.
Agents or distributors that really sell
Agents, distributors, dealers or franchisees are essential to get exposure in the market. We will not only find them, but also make sure they will sell for you. After we know your company better and have identified potential partners, we can also act as your agent or representative in the market. For example if you have a product that you want to sell through multiple distributors or in case there is a language barrier. We can take care of various activities:
- Assisting you in the negotiation process with potential distributors or clients, until a contract is signed and the first order is placed.
- Managing your distributors, do store checks and discuss on how to increase the sales of your products. We can distinguish between excuses and real problems and ensure effective communication.
- Coordinating your local marketing activities, based on a plan that we will jointly develop.
More cost-efficient than hiring your own staff
You can see us as the temporary and part-time extension of your team. Hiring us gives the following benefits:
- We are short-term available and productive from day 1.
- No need to set up an office abroad and hire somebody full time.
- No search agency fees and training costs.
Also see our article: what are the real costs of an export manager?
In the first months we always work on a fixed price basis, with clear deliverables. A partner search may range from € 5,000 to € 20,000 based on the country and what you want to sell there. There is always a payment term at the project start, to ensure your commitment and ours. After that, we can work as your agent or local representative (partly) on a commission basis.
FAQ on export promotion
Export promotion involves initiatives by countries or regions to support local companies in selling their products and services abroad. This boosts trade balance and overall economy.
This is a fiscal incentive in some countries, like Singapore, where businesses can get a double tax deduction for certain business development expenses made overseas.
Incentives can include marketing and product development assistance, payment guarantee schemes, financing options, training, and participation in trade fairs.
